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Bradley
Dunlap, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon and Sports Medicine specialist at NorthShore, has been treating elite-level hockey players since 2009. He has worked with USA Hockey as a team physician during tournaments in the United States and Europe. As a former college
hockey player, his own personal athletic experience provides insight into the way athletes think, both in injury and health.

Here, he tells us what inspired his pursuit of sports medicine and why getting an athlete back in the game is the biggest reward of all:

Were you a hockey player yourself?
I grew up playing hockey starting at the age of five and played through college at Yale University. I still play occasionally in adult hockey leagues and am on the ice several times a week helping coach my nine-year-old son’s team. My daughters, ages four and
five, are also on the ice, learning to skate.

What made you choose sports medicine/orthopaedics as a specialty? I sustained a knee injury that required surgery while playing hockey my freshman year in college. My surgeon was a former Yale football player and he did a great job taking care of me. He got me back on the ice without missing a beat. That’s what sparked
my interest in orthopaedics and, in particular, sports medicine. I love working with motivated athletes, helping them to get back to the best of their abilities. I feel that as a former athlete, I have some insight into how athletes think and take great joy
in seeing them get back into the game.

What is the day-to-day like for a team physician, particularly as a physician of hockey players?There is actually a lot of down time covering these tournaments. I love being around hockey, talking hockey with the players, coaches and training staff so I get to be around that during these tournaments. Typically, I consult with the training staff
and evaluate players before and after practice and am obviously ready should there be any injuries that occur during game play. While there are the more significant injuries to tend to (lacerations, dislocations, concussions), many times it’s just as important
to make sure that things such as pink eye don’t spread throughout the team or that a player with the flu has a separate water bottle from the rest of the team. Hockey players in general are great to deal with. The perception is that hockey players are rough
and tough, but they actually tend to be good-natured, down to earth, and appreciative of the help we can provide.

What challenges have you encountered as a hockey team physician? As with any elite athletes, the players we work with are incredible competitors. They love hockey and they love to be on the ice. However, it can be difficult at times as they can minimize the significance of injuries, especially those that require
subjective complaints and feedback such as concussions. It is my job to make sure we look out for the athlete’s best interest and health, both short-term and long-term. It can be unpopular to pull a player off the ice, but if it’s the right thing to do then
that is ultimately my job and that is why I’m there with the team.

What are the rewards of working with elite athletes?The biggest reward is seeing the players succeed. The team physician is just one cog in the wheel to maximize and optimize the players’ abilities. There is also personal satisfaction for me in being able to combine two of my passions: hockey and medicine.

How does your work with USA Hockey inform your treatment of other patients?
I think working with athletes of any level is fundamentally the same. Is there a difference between working with the elite young athletes at USA Hockey who will someday make hockey their profession and a weekend warrior who just needs to be able to be on the
ice or court Saturday afternoon? Absolutely. But my goal is the same: to keep them in the action and maximize their ability to compete and be at their best.

For an athlete there is nothing worse than suffering a sports injury that takes him/her out of competition. While some
injuries require more rest and rehabilitation than others, those who undergo surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury need to take it slow before heading back into play.

In most cases, ACL surgery is done through small incisions, or arthroscopic surgery, rather than open surgery. Not only does this help reduce scarring and decrease recovery time but it can also help reduce complications and risks. Often the surgery is performed
on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient won’t have to spend even a night in the hospital. Outpatient surgery doesn’t make recovery any less serious, however.

Patrick Birmingham, MD, Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at NorthShore, shares his tips for ensuring a safe and
speedy recovery from ACL surgery:

Follow your doctor's orders. The last thing you want after you’ve undergone surgery is to suffer from an infection. Make sure your incision stays properly dressed, clean and dry to reduce this risk. Don’t submerge under water until your
doctor says it’s OK.

Be vigilant about your physical rehabilitation schedule or routine. It may take months or up to a year to return to some of the same activities you were involved in prior to your surgery. Be sure to stay in close contact with your physical
therapist and don’t forget to do any recommended exercises at home, too.

Don’t be afraid to rest. If you are sore, remember to ice and elevate. Don’t push yourself beyond your comfort level. You should be able to manage your pain, and when you can’t, rest. It’s also very important to get restful sleep because
this will aid your recovery as well.

Follow instructions carefully. The tendon graft can take from six to twelve weeks to heal, so all of the post-operative instructions should be followed to protect the graft.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced in 2013 that it plans to label partially hydrogenated oils (PHO’s),
which are the primary dietary source of trans fats, as not generally recognized as safe for use in food. This relabeling of trans fats is just the first move in a process that will likely lead to a ban on trans fats in the U.S. food supply.

Trans fat first entered the American food supply in 1911 in the form of Crisco shortening. Fairly early in its history, preliminary studies show that trans fats could be more harmful than other fats. Later studies confirmed this finding, indicating that
trans fat contributed to heart disease. While their presence has already been greatly reduced in the food supply, trans fats can still be found in many processed foods, like frozen pizzas, microwave popcorn, baked goods, margarine and store-bought icings.

Philip Krause, MD, Director for the Section of Cardiology at NorthShore Skokie Hospital, explains why doctors have long urged their
patients to stay away from trans fats:

Increases LDL cholesterol. High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, build up the walls of your arteries and can make them hard and narrow. Elevated LDL cholesterol levels are a significant risk factor for heart
disease, heart attack and stroke. Consumption of trans fats can raise the bad LDL cholesterol in the body.

Lowers HDL cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is your cholesterol friend. It’s responsible for cleaning up your bloodstream, picking up excess cholesterol from where it doesn’t belong and bringing it back to your liver.

Increases triglycerides. A type of fat found in blood, triglycerides are also partly responsible for the hardening of arteries. When combined with high LDL cholesterol, elevated triglycerides put you at high risk for stroke, heart attack,
heart disease and even diabetes.

Causes inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s response to injury. Trans fats can increase inflammation by damaging the lining of the blood vessels. Inflammation may also be a cause of fatty blockages in the heart’s blood vessels.

Notably, manufacturers have made steps to reduce fat levels in many foods and products. Since 2006, after which food labels reported trans fat content, intake of this substance has dropped significantly.

It is hoped, after the FDA finalizes its preliminary determination, PHO’s would be considered as “food additives” and could only be used with prior authorization. The primary goal and hope is that with better consumer education and these changes in product
and food manufacturing, Americans can look forward to much healthier life ahead.

National Blood Donor Month is a time to celebrate both the generosity of current volunteer blood donors and encourage others to register as donors and start making regular lifesaving donations of their own. In recognition of National Blood Donor Month, NorthShore
University HealthSystem has created an infographic that highlights important facts and statistics of blood donation, from the time it takes to make a donation, to a breakdown of blood types and more.

Are you contemplating going gluten-free? Gluten-free products now line the aisles of the grocery store, and it seems more
and more people are adopting the gluten-free lifestyle. But is it right for you?

Geeta Maker-Clark, MD, Integrative Medicine at NorthShore, answers questions on all things gluten, from the difference
between gluten sensitivity and celiac disease to going gluten-free for weight loss.

What is the difference between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity? If it isn't an allergy issue why would some people's bodies react to it?Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity involve two different responses to the gluten protein, which is found in wheat, barley and rye. The symptoms of both conditions can be very similar, which makes it difficult to determine which one you might have
(if either) without the use of a lab test. We can check for celiac but not for gluten sensitivity with a lab test.

Celiac disease occurs when gluten triggers your immune system to attack the lining of your small intestine. The condition is autoimmune in nature, which means gluten doesn't cause the damage directly; instead, your immune system's reaction to the gluten
protein triggers the cells to mistakenly attack the lining of your small intestine.

The theory around gluten sensitivity or intolerance is that a person experiences a direct reaction to gluten, or, in other words, the body views the protein as an invader and fights it with inflammation both inside and outside your digestive tract.

Is there a test for gluten sensitivity? There are no good lab indicators for gluten sensitivity. You can be tested for celiac disease. But, if this is negative, it does not mean that you are not gluten sensitive. The best indicator is to try an elimination diet and see if your symptoms improve.
This is the gold standard.

What are the drawbacks of a gluten-free diet? The main drawback to a gluten-free diet is the effort. One needs to prepare in advance by looking through the pantry and refrigerator, reading ingredients on labels, and understanding what contains gluten so it’s not consumed. It’s very helpful to
have a cookbook or some recipes in place so that you have what you need to make the trial successful. Some foods labeled as gluten-free are high in fat and sugar, so this needs to be considered when purchasing. That being said, I have scores of patients who
have done this successfully, felt much better and then were motivated to continue.

What is the best basic way to begin gluten-free lifestyle?
I think that the best way to begin is to clean out your kitchen and pantry of things you can no longer eat. Removing the temptations will make this lifestyle shift easier for you. Next you can focus on fresh, whole foods such as produce, grains and fish. Become
a label reader and familiarize yourself with the hiding places of gluten. There are some great supportive gluten-free living blogs online, gluten-free smartphone apps that will tell you what you can buy in the grocery store, and excellent cookbooks too. There
is a lot out there to support you on your path!

Some people go gluten-free to control their weight. Is there any risk in that?
A gluten-free diet is not a good way to approach weight loss, if that is the goal. Some people who are gluten-free do lose weight, but usually because they are consuming fewer calories overall when they eliminate baked goods, bread, etc.

The gluten-free diet can lead to weight gain if one is consuming enough gluten-free food, or processed foods high in fat and sugar. I would not recommend a gluten-free diet for those looking to lose weight. A balanced diet high in fresh, whole foods and
low in processed food, as well as an active lifestyle would be a more effective method.

If a gluten-free diet has improved digestive symptoms of celiac disease, should you still be tested for celiac disease? It is very important that you do find out if you have celiac disease, as this information can help guide your lifestyle as well as help your family understand their risks because there is a genetic component to celiac disease. This can be accomplished
with a blood test ordered by your doctor.

Is there a relationship between ulcerative colitis and gluten?"While there is no evidence that gluten causes ulcerative colitis, it may trigger symptoms in some people who are sensitive to it; thus, it may be useful to try a gluten elimination diet for three weeks to see if symptoms improve. There is no risk in
doing it, so it is a reasonable option.

Can a gluten-free diet help treat Barrett's esophagus?Whenever I’m considering an inflammatory disease process, especially when related to the GI tract, I always discuss an anti-inflammatory plant-based diet. Of course this is most helpful to prevent disease, but it does have a role in treatment as well.
Barrett's esophagus occurs after chronic insult to the esophageal lining over time. Losing weight and eating a diet high in anti-oxidants, like colorful fruits and veggies, are an important part of the treatment. A gluten-free diet is a reasonable step as
well to see if acid reflux symptoms improve. Since Barrett's is diagnosed by upper GI endoscopy and biopsy, the only way to know if a gluten-free diet is helping would be to repeat these same tests later with your gastroenterologist.

Could a gluten-free diet help with the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity often have gastrointestinal symptoms like gas, bloating, diarrhea and abdominal pain after eating. There are people with autoimmune thyroid disease and other autoimmune diseases who also do much better with a
gluten-free diet, so I do utilize the elimination diet for 3-4 weeks as a trial. There is no risk in trying, but it does take some preparation to successfully eliminate the gluten from your diet.

Get them when they’re young! Exercise is important for every single member of the family, even the small ones. Physically
active kids are more likely to grow up into physically active adults, which could ultimately reduce their risk for heart disease, obesity and many other health issues. In addition to the long-term and obvious physical benefits, children that are physically
active have better concentration at school, higher self esteem, improved ability to handle stress and greater social acceptance than those who are not active.

Help your kids make a lifetime commitment to health and fitness by making that commitment as a family. Show your kids the way it’s done and you could set them on a path for a healthier future.

Ideally, all children over the age of two should be physically active for at least one hour per day. For toddlers and preschoolers, much of that will be unstructured play, but it’s important, nonetheless. If a child or family is not currently active at
all and one hour per day seems intimidating or unrealistic, it’s perfectly fine to set smaller goals (i.e., 15-20 minutes per day) and build from there.

Leslie Deitch Noble, MD, Pediatrician at NorthShore, shares some ideas for family fitness that will get everyone moving and, most
importantly, having fun:

Hiking. A moderately difficult hike can burn approximately 400 calories per hour. If you don’t happen to be near a hike-friendly area, simply go for a brisk walk as a family. It’s a great safe way for the family to catch up, explore the
outdoors and get fit together.

Ice-Skating. Cold weather doesn’t mean the entire family should hibernate. There are many calorie-burning activities that embrace the season and feel more like fun than exercise, including ice-skating, which can burn over 400 calories per
hour. Make sure everyone stays safe by keeping ice-skating confined to skating rinks and not lakes or ponds.

Yoga. The family that does yoga together reduces stress levels together. There is a yoga type for every age and every fitness level. When introducing beginners and children to yoga, help prevent injury by using a certified yoga instructor.

Biking. When roads aren’t icy or snowy, break out the helmets and hit the road. Make sure everyone is up-to-date on safety and the rules of the road before heading out. Biking is a great way to explore as a family, and, it could potentially
awaken a lifetime passion for fitness for your kids.

Dancing. Nothing could be simpler or more fun than turning on some tunes and dancing as a family. If a fitness craze like Zumba can work magic for adults, a little dancing could do wonders for kids too. Dance games for the Wii, Xbox or other
gaming consoles are also a great way to get the family dancing at home during the cold months. Parents and kids, alike, love a little bit of friendly competition when everyone is laughing and grooving together.

Winter has arrived--with a venegence. Shovels and snow plows are out of storage for the season, and there's probably a layer
of frost covering the windows. Winter can be quite beautiful from the safety of your home, but it can be dangerous as soon as you step out the front door, from an increased risk of frostbite and slip-and-fall injuries to impaired road conditions.

With proper preparation and attentiveness to potential hazardous seasonal conditions, many of the risks of winter can be greatly reduced or avoided altogether.

Take your time when shoveling. While you may want to get the job done fast, it’s important not to overexert yourself. If you start to feel pressure in your chest or experience shortness of breath, take a break and slow down. If symptoms
last more than five minutes, you may need to seek medical attention.

Be careful of icy sidewalks. Common winter injuries, especially to the ankles and wrists, can be the result of slipping or falling on slick surfaces. For minor injuries, be sure to stretch the area and maintain flexibility for 2-3 days.
If you fall and are in severe pain, and notice swelling around the joints, be sure to go to the hospital. You should also go to the hospital if you’ve hit your head and are suffering from a severe headache, vomiting or confusion.

Use salt on sidewalks and driveways. The more steps you can employ to reduce your risk of injury, the better. Before a big storm, try to salt heavily trafficked area to help limit your chances of accidents.

Stay inside in inclement weather. If you know a big storm is coming, postpone going out to run errands. Stay off the roads as much as possible. If you are elderly or have problems with your balance, get help with shoveling and daily routines.

Watch for signs of frostbite. Keep skin covered at all times. Signs of frostbite include: pain (stinging, throbbing, burning), numbness, blistering of the skin or discoloration.

Jeni Panicko, RD, LDN at NorthShore, shares her tips and suggestions for making clean eating part of your 2014.

Have you made a New Year's resolution to lose weight each year for as long as you can remember? Make a change this year. Instead of vowing to lose weight and beating yourself up when you come up short, change the way you think about food by changing the
way you eat. This year, practice clean eating.

When you eat “clean,” it means you focus on consuming whole, unprocessed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes, dairy, whole grains and heart healthy fats like avocados and olive oil. Clean eating also involves avoiding many of the pitfalls
of dieting, like skipping meals and replacing healthy whole, unprocessed foods with diet foods that may contain high levels of sodium and sugar.

Do you make a New Year’s resolution every year? How long does this resolution stick around on your to-do
list? Many of us start the year with the best intentions only to fall back into our old, unhealthy habits by February or March. This year, make healthy positive changes instead of resolutions and look forward to a healthier year ahead.

Richard S. Katz, MD, Internal Medicine at NorthShore, shares some healthy changes he would tell all his patients to make this year:

Exercise more. Don’t just make a resolution to lose weight again this year. Broaden your overall focus to include a bigger, better change. Implementing a regular exercise routine into your day-to-day life is the single best thing you can
do for your health. It boosts your immune system and mood, reduces stress levels, improves heart health and, as a result, you’ll probably lose weight as well. Your exercise routine should consist of a minimum of 150 minutes per week of aerobic exercise, plus
strength training and stretching. For example, three days a week of indoor cycling and two days of yoga.

Change the way you eat. Don’t try to cut out sweets altogether because you’ll likely overindulge a month or two into the New Year. Instead, focus your attention on your overall diet by eating healthy, well-balanced meals as often as possible.
With a healthier overall diet, you won’t have to beat yourself up if you indulge in something sweet every now and then. Make fruits and vegetables the center of your diet instead of meat-based protein. Remember: If it walks on four or more legs, then include
it in no more than two meals per week. And, always make sure you keep your portion sizes under control.

Get a yearly physical. Are you seeing your primary care physician every year? You should be. Take the time to make that yearly appointment and do your homework before you get there. Write down any health complaints, research your family
history and assemble questions ahead of time. Your doctor can help you better understand what you’re doing right and what you need to improve.

Find a way to de-stress. Identify what has your stress levels soaring and find a way to address it. Chronic stress can increase blood pressure, risk of infection and cause headaches, insomnia and more. Finding a way to reduce stress levels
can improve both your physical and mental health. Exercise is a great stress reducer and finding a quiet place to sit and breathe can work wonders. Determine something that works for you and make plenty of time for it in your schedule. In order to handle
stress well, we all need seven to eight hours of sleep a night.

I am going to work out for an hour every day. I will lose 20 pounds in the next three months. I’ll be back down to
my weight in high school by the end of the year. Do any of these goals sound like your own for the year?

If so, and you have a thoughtful plan on making it a reality – good for you! If you tend to say the same thing every year and don’t see the progress you’d like, this year try to set an attainable goal with key milestones to keep you on track and motivated.

Thomas Hudgins, MD, a physician at NorthShore and a triathlete, gives the following suggestions for setting health and weight goals you can stick to this year:

Choose activities and exercise routines that you enjoy. You will find that you’ll be much more likely to stick to a routine if it involves doing something that you enjoy. If you don’t enjoy running, choosing a weight-loss routine that focuses
heavily on running probably isn’t going to be something that you’ll stick to long-term. Remember, activities as simple as walking and going up the stairs can help get you on track.

Don’t stress out about the numbers. While it is good to check your progress on a scale from time to time, don’t let the numbers rule your success. Getting into shape may involve weight loss, but it also involves muscle strengthening and
toning.

Be flexible. Be willing to change things up, if needed. It’s great to have a reachable goal in mind, but it’s just as important to be able (and willing) to make adjustments to your routine to help you get there.

Partner up. Working out with someone else can help keep you motivated. If you don’t have a family member or friend that can join you, consider participating in a class or group workout activity.

Set short-term goals. While keeping your long-term goals in sight, don’t forget to set short-term goals and reward yourself periodically for reaching those closer milestones.